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Businesses, individuals volunteer time this week

Teresa Shaw of the Davidson County Civitan Club vacuums an American Red Cross van after it was washed and dried by the club members at Workshop of Davidson on Thursday as part of the United Way of Davidson County's Week of Caring.

Published: Thursday, September 5, 2013 at 3:42 p.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, September 5, 2013 at 3:42 p.m.

Through collections and hands-on projects, community volunteers are afforded a unique opportunity this week that educates them about service programs and makes a difference in the lives of others through service.

The United Way of Davidson County Week of Caring links individuals and employees from companies with 42 volunteer projects around town.

"The purpose is to help the nonprofits in the area," said Kristie Hege, campaign associate and volunteer coordinator with United Way. "We know times have been rough, and the financial resources are not available. We're so thankful for all of the volunteers. People seem to enjoy it. Davidson County is a caring community. That's what makes it a great place to live."

Hundreds of volunteers have been participating in the projects that range from painting, landscaping, washing vehicles or repairing benches. Some businesses are collecting items to donate to the agencies in need.

"I think it's great and good to give back to the nonprofits in town," said Craig Adcock, a certified public account with Turlington and Co. "Our firm proudly helps United Way. Every year I try to support the firm as they support the community."

Employees from Turlington and Co. spent Thursday afternoon washing windows at The Life Center and painting an office at Davidson Medical Ministries Clinic.

Craig Bullins, an auditor with the company, said the public accountant firm promotes the volunteer week heavily. It's something they do almost every year. About 15 employees participated.

"It's good the businesses are doing this," Bullins said.

Employees at Novant Health Thomasville Medical Center have been collecting pet food for the Humane Society of Davidson County and nonperishable food to benefit students in the backpack program at Communities In Schools of Thomasville.

Tom Doyle, program director of Cardiac Rehabilitation at Novant Health Thomasville Medical Center, said participating in the Week of Caring raises awareness of the nonprofit organizations. He said lending a hand is congruent with the hospital's mission of "improving the health of our communities, one person at a time."

"This shows we care about the little people and the four-legged friends. There's a need. This gives our employees an opportunity to help," he said.

Women from the halfway house at Path of Hope pulled weeds and completed some landscaping at Carolina Cancer Services on Tuesday. April Beck, developmental director for the nonprofit organization, said as a United Way agency it's important to give back as a way to say thanks to everyone who offers assistance. Also throughout the week organizations such as NewBridge Bank in Wallburg, Walmart of Lexington and Kimberly-Clark have been collecting items — canned food, office supplies and sports equipment — and painting at Path of Hope on East Center Street Extension.

"We just didn't want to just sit here and receive help," Beck said. "We want to give back because people have been so free and willing to help us. We feel very fortunate. I think it's awesome people in the community take this one week and do so much. I wish we could do more. We're grateful to be able to help."

Deneesha Edwards can be reached at 249-3981, ext. 213, or at deneesha.edwards@the-dispatch.com.

<p>Through collections and hands-on projects, community volunteers are afforded a unique opportunity this week that educates them about service programs and makes a difference in the lives of others through service.</p><p>The United Way of Davidson County Week of Caring links individuals and employees from companies with 42 volunteer projects around town.</p><p>"The purpose is to help the nonprofits in the area," said Kristie Hege, campaign associate and volunteer coordinator with United Way. "We know times have been rough, and the financial resources are not available. We're so thankful for all of the volunteers. People seem to enjoy it. Davidson County is a caring community. That's what makes it a great place to live."</p><p>Hundreds of volunteers have been participating in the projects that range from painting, landscaping, washing vehicles or repairing benches. Some businesses are collecting items to donate to the agencies in need.</p><p>"I think it's great and good to give back to the nonprofits in town," said Craig Adcock, a certified public account with Turlington and Co. "Our firm proudly helps United Way. Every year I try to support the firm as they support the community."</p><p>Employees from Turlington and Co. spent Thursday afternoon washing windows at The Life Center and painting an office at Davidson Medical Ministries Clinic.</p><p>Craig Bullins, an auditor with the company, said the public accountant firm promotes the volunteer week heavily. It's something they do almost every year. About 15 employees participated.</p><p>"It's good the businesses are doing this," Bullins said.</p><p>Employees at Novant Health Thomasville Medical Center have been collecting pet food for the Humane Society of Davidson County and nonperishable food to benefit students in the backpack program at Communities In Schools of Thomasville. </p><p>Tom Doyle, program director of Cardiac Rehabilitation at Novant Health Thomasville Medical Center, said participating in the Week of Caring raises awareness of the nonprofit organizations. He said lending a hand is congruent with the hospital's mission of "improving the health of our communities, one person at a time."</p><p>"This shows we care about the little people and the four-legged friends. There's a need. This gives our employees an opportunity to help," he said.</p><p>Women from the halfway house at Path of Hope pulled weeds and completed some landscaping at Carolina Cancer Services on Tuesday. April Beck, developmental director for the nonprofit organization, said as a United Way agency it's important to give back as a way to say thanks to everyone who offers assistance. Also throughout the week organizations such as NewBridge Bank in Wallburg, Walmart of Lexington and Kimberly-Clark have been collecting items — canned food, office supplies and sports equipment — and painting at Path of Hope on East Center Street Extension.</p><p>"We just didn't want to just sit here and receive help," Beck said. "We want to give back because people have been so free and willing to help us. We feel very fortunate. I think it's awesome people in the community take this one week and do so much. I wish we could do more. We're grateful to be able to help."</p><p>Deneesha Edwards can be reached at 249-3981, ext. 213, or at deneesha.edwards@the-dispatch.com.</p>